Written by Lisa Assenmacher, Communications and Training Specialist

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

– Margaret Mead

10,627. That’s the number of homeowners facing foreclosure served through intake and triage by AmeriCorps members in the 2012-2013 program year.

30,000. That’s the number of hours that MFPC members provided of service to their host organizations in the 2012-2013 program year.

Last week, the newest group of Michigan Foreclosure Prevention Corps (MFPC) members began their year of service with a certified housing counseling agency in Michigan. This group of people, some brand new and others returning for an additional term, will spend their time on a variety of projects that help people who are facing foreclosure. They will offer countless hours of volunteer recruitment, marketing and outreach and intake and triage services. They will be empathetic toward homeowners and support them as they prepare to see a housing counselor, making sure that their process is as complete and organized as possible.

Many AmeriCorps members are just entering the professional world, others are new to this particular field. It is a big job with a lot of warm and fuzzy payback, but, as in any job, can be overwhelming. In preparation for their orientation last week, members from the last program year offered some advice.

What advice would you add?